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Amjad Al-Ghanim announced the receipt of the medical reports for the first batch of genome participants from Harvard University, in order to begin studying them and mapping out the genetic map.
Professor Amjad Al-Ghanim, Chairperson of the National Team for Implementing the Bahrain Genome Program and Head of Public Health Laboratories, confirmed that the National Genome Program aims to draw up the reference genetic map specific to the Kingdom of Bahrain. This is achieved by establishing a genetic database through the Biobank, with the participation of more than 33,000 citizens who contributed their samples to have their genetic sequencing decoded, using the latest and most precise technologies at Harvard University in the United States.
She explained that the National Genome Program includes several foundational initial phases. The first phase involves collecting, preserving, and preparing samples for genetic sequencing testing, then dividing those samples into two separate groups: one for healthy members of the community who did not suffer from any diseases when participating in the program, and the other for the rare diseases group, which concerns those who suffer from known or unknown genetic disorders at the time of their registration in the program.
Al-Ghanim added that the second phase is considered concurrent with the first phase, where the samples, after being processed and sorted, are sent to Harvard University in the United States, which in turn decodes the complete genetic sequence for each participant. This process takes a few months until the Genome Screening Report is issued. She noted that in the third phase, the reports are returned to the National Genome Center in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the purpose of developing the local genetic map. The diseases that appear in the results are tracked, and research is conducted that enables the health system to develop high-quality preventive and therapeutic health policies, enhancing current and future treatment services, which is reflected in a more precise investment of medical resources.
She indicated that the Genome Program in the Kingdom of Bahrain has reached this third phase, as the center is currently receiving medical and diagnostic reports for the first batch of participants from Harvard University in the United States. A medical team of genome science consultants is studying them and conducting confirmatory tests for genetic variants. She pointed out that the fourth phase coincides with the third phase, as work is currently underway to expand the National Genome Center and increase its capacity to become a specialized center for providing genetic services, examinations, and research, in addition to training national cadres to enable them to carry out genetic sequencing locally with complete independence and integrate it into the package of health services.
Amjad Al-Ghanim stated that the National Genome Center will work, in its advanced stages, on enriching research programs such as the gene therapy program for various types of genetic disorders, and the comprehensive research screening program for newborns to detect genetic disorders and contribute to the early detection, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. She emphasized that the active participation of citizens in the early stages of the National Genome Program ensured the representation of the largest possible segment of citizens, which increases the accuracy and integrity of the local genetic map. This will benefit them in the advanced stages of the project when specialized preventive and therapeutic health policies are built based on their cumulative results, which reflect the special and distinctive nature of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
